As a photograph, I’m not altogether thrilled with this image (it’s just sorta meh). But, as an execution of our theme this week . . . it’s a keeper.

Wine is the ultimate connection between people and nature. The wine in your glass is a reflection of everything that happened in a vineyard in a given year. And everything that happens in a vineyard is connected.

Grapevines (like the one in this photo) are connected in a very tangible way. The grapes and leaves are connected to stems, stems to shoots, shoots to cordons, cordons to trunk, trunk to roots, and roots to soil. Even the metal and wire support system is connected to the vine.

After that, the connections get a little more abstract. Enter terroir. Terroir is from the French word, terre, meaning land. Terroir refers to the collection of soil, topography, climate and tradition that all connect and contribute to the growing of grapes and the making of wine.

From vine to terroir, countless things must connect to make a bottle of wine. Cheers to the people who tend those connections . . . so I can enjoy them!